What do you think about my 1 week itinerary in the Scottish Highland without car.
What do you think of my one-week itinerary for the Scottish Highlands without a car?
Hi everyone!
I’m planning a solo trip to England and the Scottish Highlands for two weeks in April. I know that exploring the Highlands is often best done by car, but I prefer to travel by trains and coaches since I’m not very comfortable driving on the left side of the road on my own. Given that this will be my first time visiting and I have no previous experience navigating the UK or the Highlands, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Is this itinerary feasible? Are there any must-see places you recommend? Or perhaps a better alternative? I welcome all feedback and suggestions!
Here’s my itinerary so far:
Day 1 & 2: Explore Edinburgh and nearby attractions.
Day 3: Day trip from Edinburgh to Inverness in the afternoon.
Day 4: Day trip to Loch Ness and the castle ruins.
Day 5: Spend the day in Inverness.
Day 6: Travel from Inverness to Portree with CityLink, then relax in Portree for the rest of the day.
Day 7: Day tour of the Isle of Skye.
Day 8: Return from Portree to Inverness, and then head back to London or other destinations.
After this, I’m still considering whether to extend my stay in the Highlands, with the possibility of visiting more places around Inverness for a day or two. I’d also be open to traveling directly from Portree to Glasgow or other attractions (although I haven’t mapped that out yet). I would really appreciate any suggestions for things to do in or near Edinburgh and Inverness!
Thanks in advance for your help!
Your itinerary looks promising, especially for a first-time solo traveler in the Scottish Highlands! Here are a few thoughts and suggestions to enhance your trip:
Day 1-2: Edinburgh
– Great choice to spend a couple of days in Edinburgh! Make sure to visit Edinburgh Castle, explore the Royal Mile, and consider hiking up Arthur’s Seat for stunning views of the city.
– If time permits, take a stroll through the beautiful Princes Street Gardens or visit the Scottish National Gallery.
Day 3: Edinburgh to Inverness
– The train ride to Inverness is scenic, so be sure to grab a window seat! You could visit some local sights in the afternoon once you arrive, like the Inverness Castle or take a walk along the River Ness.
Day 4: Loch Ness & Castle Ruin
– This is a great day trip. If you have time, consider a boat tour on Loch Ness for a chance to see Urquhart Castle from the water, or even keep your eyes peeled for Nessie!
Day 5: Inverness
– Spend your day exploring. The Culloden Battlefield is a short bus ride away and deeply significant historically. Perhaps visit the Clava Cairns as well, which is a fascinating neolithic site nearby.
Day 6: Inverness to Portree
– The bus ride to Portree will take a few hours but offers beautiful Highland views, so enjoy the journey. Once in Portree, don’t miss exploring the picturesque harbor area.
Day 7: Isle of Skye
– A day tour is a great way to see the highlights. Depending on the tour you choose, you might visit places like the Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, or the Fairy Pools. Just be sure to check what’s included when booking.
Day 8: Portree back to Inverness and onward to London
– Make sure you check the bus schedule ahead of time for your departure from Portree to Inverness, as connections might vary. Also, pre-booking your train back to London is advisable.
Additional Suggestions:
– If you have an extra day or two after your planned itinerary, consider exploring Fort William or Glencoe, which are reachable from Inverness and offer breathtaking scenery and great walks.
– Alternatively, the area around Aviemore and the Cairngorms National Park is fantastic for hiking and nature, and accessible by train from Inverness.
Traveling without a car:
– It’s definitely possible to explore the Highlands without a car! You can rely on bus services like CityLink and local tour operators. Just be sure to plan routes in advance and check the bus/train schedules, as they may vary.
Safety and Experience:
– Traveling solo is an excellent way to experience the Highlands at your own pace. Just stay aware of your surroundings and have a backup plan or local contact in case you have questions or need assistance.
Your trip sounds like it will be a wonderful adventure! Enjoy the stunning landscapes and the rich history of Scotland!